STATE OF CONNECTICUT EXECUTIVE BRANCH JOBS

Correctional Substance Abuse Counselor

Recruitment #220811-8440CO-001

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Introduction



Are you a licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor in the State of Connecticut?
If so, we invite you to check out this exciting opportunity!

The Department of Correction (DOC) is recruiting for Correctional Substance Abuse Counselors for our Addiction Services Unit. Please note that for this position you must possess a valid Alcohol and Drug Counselor Certification or License from the Connecticut Department of Public Health (See Minimum Qualifications below).

POSITION DETAILS
This position independently performs a full range of tasks in the provision of specialized individual or group substance abuse counseling services to offenders.

This position is full time position on first shift, 36.25 hours per week. Schedule is Monday-Friday, 7:45am to 3:00pm with one late day, 12:00pm-7:45pm. This recruitment will be used to fill positions in correctional facilities located throughout the state. Employees in this position are entitled to excellent benefits, including health, dental, and a 25 year hazardous duty retirement.

The selected candidates will be required to attend a 12 week hazardous duty training at the Maloney Center for Training & Staff Development located in Cheshire, CT.

Want an inside look at what it is like to Make an ImpaCT as a healthcare worker in a correctional facility? Check out the video below!
         
ABOUT US
Our Mission: The DOC shall strive to be a global leader in progressive correctional practices and partnered re-entry initiatives to support responsive evidence-based practices aligned to law-abiding and accountable behaviors. Safety and security shall be a priority component of this responsibility as it pertains to staff, victims, citizens, and offenders.

Selection Plan

Before you apply, make note of the following:
  • In order to be considered for this job opening, you must meet the Minimum Qualifications as listed on the job opening. You must specify your qualifications on your application.
  • The minimum experience and training requirements must be met by the close date on the job opening, unless otherwise specified.
  • Ensure that your application is complete and detailed before submitting it. In order to comply with Public Act 21-69, the State of Connecticut is no longer asking for resumes during the initial application process. You will not be able to make revisions once your application is submitted into the JobAps system.
  • All application materials must be received by the recruiting agency by the time specified on the job opening for the position for which you are applying. Late applications may not be submitted and will not be considered. Exceptions are rare and limited to documented events that incapacitate a candidate during the entire duration of the job posting time period. It is the candidate’s obligation and responsibility to request an exception and provide a legally recognized justification to accommodate such exception. Requests should be made to DAS.SHRM@ct.gov.
Important information for after you apply:
  • This posting may require completion of additional referral questions (RQs). You can access these RQs via an email that will be sent to you after the posting's closing date or by visiting your JobAps Personal Status Board (Certification Questionnaires section). Your responses to these RQs must be submitted by the questionnaire's expiration date. Please regularly check your email and JobAps Personal Status Board for notifications. Please check your SPAM and/or Junk folders on a daily basis in the event an email provider places auto-notification emails in a user's spam.
  • Although applicants will receive correspondence via email, as a backup they are also encouraged to sign on to their Personal Status Board on a daily basis to monitor their status, view all emailed notices and complete tasks required in the recruitment process.
  • Note: At any point during the recruitment process, applicants may be required to submit additional documentation which support their qualification(s) for this position. These documents may include: a cover letter, resume, performance reviews, attendance records, supervisory references, licensure, etc., at the discretion of the hiring agency.
  • The immediate vacancy is listed above, however, applications to this recruitment may be used for future vacancies in this job class.
Questions about this position should be directed to Jake Ferrari via email at jake.ferrari@ct.gov.

PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)

In a Department of Correction facility or community setting this class is accountable for independently performing a full range of tasks in the provision of specialized individual or group substance abuse counseling services to offenders.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

Coordinates offender rehabilitation program within facility or community setting; provides intensive counseling services to alcohol and drug dependent offenders; screens offenders to determine eligibility for programs; assesses strengths, weaknesses and treatment needs; orients offenders to treatment program; participates in treatment planning and individual and/or group counseling; periodically checks offender progress and recommends changes; performs case management activities; provides crisis intervention services in response to emotional and/or physical distress; makes referrals to programs for medical and/or psychological intervention; ensures adherence to infection control practices; conducts census checks; develops and maintains comprehensive treatment files including treatment plans and progress notes, discharge summaries, crisis intervention and referrals; assists in program development and implementation; assists other staff in performing difficult or hazardous investigations; prepares detailed reports for classification committees and other groups evaluating offender progress; may test and evaluate offenders at any state of correctional process in terms of psychological, educational, vocational, social and medical needs; may be required to coordinate volunteer programs; may physically restrain inmates, quell disturbances and otherwise assist security forces in emergencies; may be required to collect urine samples and/or conduct on-site urinalysis to determine offender drug and/or alcohol usage; may educate offenders on substance abuse issues and availability of resources; may escort offenders; performs related duties as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY

Considerable knowledge of addictions, recovery and/or relapse prevention; considerable knowledge of sociological and psychological concepts with emphasis on analysis of criminal behavior; considerable knowledge of social, emotional and economic factors which contribute to criminal behavior; considerable knowledge of counseling and interviewing techniques; considerable knowledge of individual and social factors relating to personal adjustment; knowledge of community resources; knowledge of current correctional practices including inmate classification systems and parole process; considerable interpersonal skills; considerable oral and written communication skills; ability to prepare clear and concise reports and case histories; ability to organize time, set priorities and manage workload; ability to utilize computer software.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - GENERAL EXPERIENCE

Certification from the Connecticut Department of Public Health as an Alcohol and Drug Counselor and three (3) years of experience in casework and/or counseling with some work with clients/offenders with behavioral healthcare issues.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - SUBSTITUTIONS ALLOWED

  1. Three (3) years as a Correctional Substance Abuse Counselor Trainee may be substituted for the General Experience.
  2. Licensure from the Connecticut Department of Public Health as an Alcohol and Drug Counselor may be substituted for the General Experience.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • Licensed from CT Department of Public Health as an Alcohol & Drug Counselor
  • Experience in Criminal Justice setting
  • Experience with Group and individual counseling
  • Experience with Crisis Intervention
  • Experience with Medicated Assisted Treatment

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

  1. Incumbents in this class must possess and retain Certification OR Licensure from the Connecticut Department of Public Health as an Alcohol and Drug Counselor.
  2. Incumbents in this class are required to possess a high school diploma or General Educational Development (GED) certification at the time of appointment.
  3. Incumbents in this class may be required to successfully complete a formal training course in correctional work to develop the knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the class.
  4. Incumbents in this class may be required to possess and retain a valid Motor Vehicle Operator’s license.
  5. Incumbents in this class may be required to travel.
  6. Incumbents in this class may be required to speak a foreign language.

CHARACTER REQUIREMENTS

In addition to the checking of references and of facts stated in the application, a thorough background investigation of each candidate may be made before persons are certified for appointment.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

  1. Incumbents in this class must have general good health, be free from any disease or injury which would impair health or usefulness and retain sufficient physical strength, stamina, agility, endurance and visual and auditory acuity required to perform all the duties of the class.
  2. A comprehensive medical examination, including a controlled substance screening, will be required of all applicants upon a conditional offer of employment.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Incumbents in this class may be exposed to considerable danger of injury or assault by offenders.

Conclusion

AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.





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